Janabi role will advance TZ’s healthcare agendas, analysts say

DAR ES SALAAM: ANALYSTS, government officials and political leaders yesterday continued to pour in their warmest congratulations to Professor Mohamed Janabi, following his election as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.

They expressed pride in seeing a fellow Tanzanian rise to a continental leadership position, describing Prof Janabi as a strategic leader poised to advance both Tanzania and Africa’s healthcare agendas, particularly in the areas of medical research, policy and innovation.

Prof Janabi was officially endorsed on Sunday by the Second Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Geneva, Switzerland.

He emerged victorious over three other candidates: Dr N’da Yao of Ivory Coast, Dr Dramé Lamine of Guinea and Professor Mijiyawa Moustafa of Togo.

Former President Dr Jakaya Kikwete wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter), praising Prof Janabi’s endorsement and described it as well-deserved. “It is a victory for President @SuluhuSamia and all Tanzanians. We are proud. You have earned us respect,” he wrote.

“Knowing you as I do, I have no doubt about your performance. Africa and the world will be amazed.” President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, while launching the Tanzania Foreign Policy 2024 yesterday, also lauded Dr Kikwete for leading Prof Janabi’s WHO campaign.

“When I asked him to lead the campaign, he accepted without hesitation. Using his diplomatic experience, time and wisdom, he skillfully coordinated the electoral strategy. We are truly grateful,” President Samia said.

She extended her best wishes to Prof Janabi for a successful five-year term, set to run from 2025 to 2030.

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Analysts and stakeholders said both Tanzania and Africa’s healthcare agendas will well be advanced at the global stage, saying with Prof Janabi at the helm, expectations are high for transformative progress in Africa’s public health landscape.

A health diplomacy analyst and a member of the Medical Women Association of Tanzania (MEWATA) as well as Kigamboni District’s Health Quality Improvement Coordinator, Dr Sarah Kadula described the election as a major victory for Tanzania.

“Prof Janabi will be a strong voice for Tanzania within WHO Africa, especially in advocating for research, innovation and health sector development,” Dr Kadula told the ‘Daily News.’

“This victory enhances the global profile of Tanzanian medical professionals and may open job opportunities at the WHO African Regional Office.”

Prof Janabi’s endorsement also won political support, with the ruling party CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla extending the party congratulation message, calling the achievement a milestone not just for Tanzania but for the entire East African Community (EAC) and the African continent.

“His endorsement reflects the world’s recognition of Tanzanians’ outstanding capabilities,” he said.

Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Mbelwa Kairuki, also took to X to congratulate Prof Janabi, stating that the victory reflects the continent’s trust in his ability to advance Africa’s healthcare systems.

He pledged full support to Prof Janabi in his new role. Kibiti Member of Parliament, Mr Twaha Mpembenwe echoed the sentiment, saying that Prof Janabi’s election was based on a solid track record in national and international health leadership.

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“The confidence shown by WHO member states confirms his vast expertise and accomplishments in the health sector,” he said, adding that Janabi’s leadership will be key in shaping WHO Africa’s post-2025 health development agenda.

Mr Mpembenwe also praised President Samia’s foresight in nominating Prof Janabi and assembling a strong diplomatic campaign team to support his candidacy.

“She has proven to be a visionary team builder who empowers her people and delivers results,” he said.

In his victory address, Prof Janabi expressed deep gratitude for the trust bestowed in him, saying that the endorsement was a collective achievement of WHO Africa’s 47 member states.

He paid tribute to his late predecessor, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who passed away in November last year after being elected Regional Director in August of the same year.

“His untimely passing was a great loss to us all,” said Prof Janabi. He also thanked President Samia for her unwavering support and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for his leadership on global health matters